WO2001055018A1 - Dispositif permettant d'assujettir une fermeture dans l'ouverture d'un recipient - Google Patents

Dispositif permettant d'assujettir une fermeture dans l'ouverture d'un recipient Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001055018A1
WO2001055018A1 PCT/GB2001/000332 GB0100332W WO0155018A1 WO 2001055018 A1 WO2001055018 A1 WO 2001055018A1 GB 0100332 W GB0100332 W GB 0100332W WO 0155018 A1 WO0155018 A1 WO 0155018A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vacuum
closure
securing
container
actuator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/000332
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Edward John Piepereit
Original Assignee
Matcon (R & D) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=9884489&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2001055018(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Matcon (R & D) Limited filed Critical Matcon (R & D) Limited
Priority to AU2867501A priority Critical patent/AU2867501A/xx
Priority to US10/182,641 priority patent/US7237311B2/en
Priority to AT01946831T priority patent/ATE273903T1/de
Priority to AU2001228675A priority patent/AU2001228675B2/en
Priority to EP01946831A priority patent/EP1261540B1/fr
Priority to DE60104992T priority patent/DE60104992T2/de
Publication of WO2001055018A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001055018A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
    • B65G69/18—Preventing escape of dust
    • B65G69/181—Preventing escape of dust by means of sealed systems
    • B65G69/183—Preventing escape of dust by means of sealed systems with co-operating closure members on each of the parts of a separable transfer channel
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49863—Assembling or joining with prestressing of part
    • Y10T29/4987—Elastic joining of parts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53657—Means to assemble or disassemble to apply or remove a resilient article [e.g., tube, sleeve, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53978—Means to assemble or disassemble including means to relatively position plural work parts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to apparatus for securing a closure in an aperture of a container and to a method of securing a closure in an aperture of a container.
  • Containers for storage and transportation of materials often have apertures such as inlets and outlets with removable closures to enable the stored material to be discharged.
  • a problem with such containers is that sometimes the closures can become dislodged or moved inadvertently for example during transport, allowing material to escape.
  • This is a particular problem with containers for the storage and transportation of bulk quantities of materials such as pharmaceutical powders.
  • apparatus for securing a closure in an aperture of a container using means adapted to engage the closure and the container to secure the closure comprising means to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing means and the closure to move the securing means into a securing position. It has been found that this enables the closure to be secured and released sufficiently firmly and positively to avoid accidental material loss without disturbing the closure in the process of securing and releasing it.
  • the means to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum comprises airway means. It is further preferred that the airway means is adapted to cooperate with an aperture of the securing means to provide for generation and release of the vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing means and the closure. This is a convenient arrangement which allows the apparatus of the invention to be used with many different forms of securing means.
  • the apparatus may include second means to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum, the said second means being adapted to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing means and the apparatus.
  • the said second means preferably comprises airway means.
  • the apparatus may comprise actuator means adapted to releasablv engage the securing means for attachment to the container. This is a convenient arrangement which allows for accurate presentation of the securing means to the container.
  • the actuator may be attached to a base and may be movable relative thereto.
  • the apparams may include third means to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum, to move the actuator relative to the base. This is a convenient method of operating the actuator.
  • the apparatus may include seal means disposed to enable the vacuum or partial vacuum to be generated between the apparatus and the securing ' means although the seal means may in principle be borne by the securing means.
  • a method of releasably securing a closure in an aperture of a container using means adapted to engage the closure and the container to secure the closure comprising the use of a vacuum or partial vacuum generated between the securing means and the closure to secure or release the securing means.
  • the method may include the use of an actuator in moving the securing means to secure or release the closure, and may include the use of a vacuum or partial vacuum to operate the actuator.
  • the method may also include releasably attaching the securing means to the actuator by use of a vacuum or partial vacuum.
  • the method may also include the use of seal means of the securing means and/or of the container to assist in maintenance of the vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing means and the container.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figures 3 to 6 are schematic illustrations of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 in operation securing a closure in an aperture of a container;
  • Figures 7 to 11 are schematic illustrations of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 in operation releasing a closure from the aperture of a container;
  • Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a second type of securing means for use with the invention.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of apparatus according to the invention.
  • the apparatus 1 is designed for fitting securing means 5 to an intermediate bulk container, or I.B.C. 4 to prevent accidental movement of the closure 2.
  • I.B.C. 4 is of conventional design and has an aperture 3 in the form of an outlet for release of material, obturated by a cone valve closure 2 which seats in the outlet 3 and seals therein via a cone valve seal ring 7 on a skirt 8. Material is released by raising the cone valve 2 by suitable apparatus (not shown) as is known in the art.
  • the apparatus 1 is mounted on a base plate 9 which can also accommodate the feet of the I.B.C. 4.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a body having two main parts 1 1 and 12, one fixed and one movable.
  • the fixed part 1 1 is a base and the movable part 12 is an actuator 10.
  • the parts take the form of inner and outer concentric cylinders 11,12, the inner cylinder 1 1 being fixed to the base plate 9 and the outer cylinder 12 being seated there around and being movable telescopically upwardly relative to the inner cylinder 1 1.
  • a vacuum-tight resilient seal 13 is disposed on the outside surface at the top (as viewed ) edge of the inner cylinder 1 1, between it and the outer cylinder 12.
  • the seal 13 has two circumferential flanges 13a and 13b which facilitate movement of the outer cylinder whilst retaining a seal between the cylinders 1 1 , 12.
  • the outer cylinder 12 comprises a minor diameter part 14 and a major diameter part 15 , with a step in between at which is mounted on the outer surface a second vacuum-tight resilient seal 16, with circumferential flanges 16a, 16b.
  • the outer cylinder 12 has an inwardly directed flange 17 around the lower (as viewed) rim of the minor diameter part 14 and a top plate 18 fixed on top of the major diameter part 15.
  • a guide rod 19 is attached to the plate 18, the guide rod 19 moving in a central cylinder 20 which is itself attached to the base plate 9.
  • the guide rod 19 has an aperture 19a in its upper, as viewed, end and an "0"-ring seal 27 secured around the aperture 19a and standing proud therefrom.
  • the apparatus 1 has vacuum providing means 6 in the form of pneumatic fittings 21a, 21b, 21c. 23 and 25 and airways 22a, 22b and 26 which are operatively attached to a device to apply suction and generate a vacuum or partial vacuum (not shown).
  • Fitting 21a feeds into the interior of the outer cylinder 12.
  • Fitting 21b feeds into flexible airway 22a which in turn feeds into fitting 23 and then through an aperture 24 in top plate 18.
  • Fitting 21c feeds into flexible airway 22b which in turn feeds into fitting 25 and then into airway 26 which leads into the top of guide rod 19 in central cylinder 20 to aperture 19a.
  • the securing means 5 in this example is in the form of a cap. which consists of a circular, curved plate 28 which has a channel shaped rim 29 and at the centre of the plate 28 an aperture 37.
  • the rim 29 has an inner side wall 30, a base 31 and an outer side wall 32.
  • the inner side wall 30 interfaces with the perimeter of the curved plate 28 creating a continuous nose 33 and a resilient seal ring 36 is fitted between nose 33 and base 31 around the inner side wall 30.
  • the rubber seal ring 36 has four circumferential flanges 36a of varying thickness extending outwardly and downwardly as viewed.
  • the outer side wall 32 has fitted upon it a circular resilient seal 34 which has a sealing surface 35.
  • FIG 2 the apparatus 1 is shown with securing means 5 in the form of a cap engaged upon the actuator 10 in position ready for attaching the cap 5 to the I.B.C. 4.
  • the cap 5 is conveniently engaged on the actuator manually. The act of placement on the actuator 10 creates a seal between the cap 5 and the apparatus 1 at the vacuum- tight seal 16.
  • the I.B.C. 4 to be capped is moved by any suitable means such as a crane into position over the apparatus 1 and is lowered.
  • Figure 3 shows the I.B.C. 4 lowered into place on the apparatus 1.
  • the skirt 8 of the closure 2 makes contact with the seal ring 36 of the cap 5, creating a vacuum-tight seal.
  • Suction is applied via the pneumatic fittings 21b, 21c, 23 and 25, and airways 22a, 22b and 26 to generate vacuum at "A" whilst fitting 21a is vented to atmosphere.
  • the I.B.C. 4 is first lowered into place on the apparatus 1. Once in place, air pressure is applied to the void space "B' * in the actuator 10 via fitting 21 a. This brings the vacuum- tight ring seal 16 into contact with the inner surface of the wall 30. At the same time suction is applied to airways 22a and 22b which generates vacuum at "C” to raise the actuator 10 fully into the cap 5. Referring to Figure 9, when the actuator 10 is fully raised the “O" ring 27 on piston 19 seals against the underside of the cap 5. At this stage the space “D” between the cap 5 and cone 2 can be vented as the vacuum between the cap 5 and the actuator 10 keeps the "O" ring 27 firmly connected. Suction is then applied via fittings 21a and 21b to generate vacuum in the void spaces "E” and “F” which draws the actuator 10 down around the inner cylinder 1 1 , bringing the cap 5 down with it, away from the cone valve 2.
  • securing means 5 for use with the apparatus and method of the invention.
  • the container 4 is substantially the same as that illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 , as is the cone valve closure 2.
  • the securing means 5 comprises two parts, an inner part 100 and an outer part 101 which cooperate to secure the closure 2 in the outlet 3.
  • the outer part 101 comprises a ring 102 which has an upper, as viewed, channel part 102a with two or more resilient leaf springs 103 attached around its inner circumference.
  • Each leaf spring 103 carries a resilient, in this case plastic, nose 104 at its end remote from the ring 102.
  • a seal 105 is disposed about the inner circumference of the ring 102.
  • the inner part 100 takes the form of an up-turned cup, the diameter of the cup being such as to allow it to fit through the ring 102 the wall 106 of the cup sealing with a seal 1 10 of the outer part 101 as the base 107 of the cup meets the closure 2.
  • An aperture 108 is provided in the base 107.
  • the outer part 101 is offered up to the container 4 so that the skirt 8 and outlet 3 are received in the channel part 102a, sealing with a seal 105 of the channel part 102a.
  • the inner part 100 is engaged upon the actuator 10 which seals against the inside of wall 106 and is then moved by means of suction applied through aperture 108 between itself and the closure 2, upwardly into the closure 2, displacing outwardly the leaf springs 103 so that the noses 104 are forced against the closure 2 and skirt 8.
  • the vacuum formed between the inner part 100 and the closure 2 can be vented.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of apparatus 200 for securing a closure in an aperture of a container.
  • the apparatus 200 is of the same general form as illustrated previously herein and is shown in a position corresponding to the position of the apparatus 1 SUOW ⁇ in Figure 2 with securing means in the form of a cap 500 in place thereon.
  • the apparatus 200 comprises means 600 to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing means and a closure of a container to move the securing means 500 into a securing position.
  • the apparatus is mounted on a base plate 900 and comprises a body having two main parts, 210 and 220, one fixed and one movable.
  • the parts take the form of an inner cylinder 210, with a circular actuator 220 thereon, the actuator comprising an annular flange 221 and being dimensioned to fit over the cylinder 210 to receive it therein.
  • cylinder 210 is fixed to the base plate 900.
  • Actuator 220 is movable telescopically upwardly relative to cylinder 210.
  • a vacuum- tight resilient seal 230 is disposed between the cylinder 210 and the actuator 220.
  • the actuator 220 includes on its upper (in use) surface at the perimeter thereof an annular seal 216 which is vacuum-tight, with circumferential flanges 260a, 260b and 260c.
  • the seal 216 makes it particularly easy to remove the cap 500 from the actuator 220 by hand.
  • a pneumatic switch 270 is provided to confirm that the actuator is fully lowered before bin removal. The switch could be electrical, electronic or other, and could be fitted to the other embodiments described above.
  • the cap 500 does not have a seal corresponding to seal 34 as previously described, but instead the outer side wall 320 is enlarged and itself provided with a sealing surface 350.
  • this embodiment is operated in the same way as previously described and as such this will not be repeated.
  • the invention is applicable to container inlets and lids as well as outlets and closures.
  • rubber seals are utilised, however, inflatable or other types of seals might be used.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Thermally Insulated Containers For Foods (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un dispositif (1) permettant d'assujettir une fermeture (2) sur une ouverture (3) de récipient (4) au moyen d'un système (5) conçu pour fixer solidement la fermeture (2) sur le récipient (4). Le dispositif (1) comprend un système (6) qui produit ou supprime un vide total ou partiel entre le système de fixation (5) et la fermeture (2) pour amener le système de fixation (5) n position de verrouillage.
PCT/GB2001/000332 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Dispositif permettant d'assujettir une fermeture dans l'ouverture d'un recipient WO2001055018A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2867501A AU2867501A (en) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Apparatus for securing a closure in an aperture of a container
US10/182,641 US7237311B2 (en) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Method and apparatus for securing a closure in an aperture of a container
AT01946831T ATE273903T1 (de) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Vorrichtung zum verriegeln eines deckels in einer containeröffnung
AU2001228675A AU2001228675B2 (en) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Apparatus for securing a closure in an aperture of a container
EP01946831A EP1261540B1 (fr) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Dispositif permettant d'assujettir une fermeture dans l'ouverture d'un recipient
DE60104992T DE60104992T2 (de) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Vorrichtung zum verriegeln eines deckels in einer containeröffnung

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0001931.5 2000-01-27
GBGB0001931.5A GB0001931D0 (en) 2000-01-27 2000-01-27 Apparatus for securing a closure in an aperture of a container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001055018A1 true WO2001055018A1 (fr) 2001-08-02

Family

ID=9884489

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2001/000332 WO2001055018A1 (fr) 2000-01-27 2001-01-26 Dispositif permettant d'assujettir une fermeture dans l'ouverture d'un recipient

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US7237311B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP1261540B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE273903T1 (fr)
AU (2) AU2867501A (fr)
DE (1) DE60104992T2 (fr)
GB (1) GB0001931D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001055018A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1348644A1 (fr) * 2002-03-14 2003-10-01 AT Anlagetechnik AG Dispositif pour transférer des produits fluides

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201015590D0 (en) * 2010-09-17 2010-10-27 Matcon Ltd Material handling apparatus
EP2939953A1 (fr) * 2014-05-02 2015-11-04 Visval AG Fermeture pour un récipient pour matières en vrac et dispositif d'amarrage pour une telle fermeture
CN107414731B (zh) * 2017-09-06 2023-03-10 广西玉柴机器股份有限公司 曲轴后油封导入装置

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4218967A (en) * 1979-06-25 1980-08-26 Batchelor John H Vacuum pump closure for canisters and vacuum pack containers
US4972652A (en) * 1988-02-26 1990-11-27 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Closures for containers
EP0680902A1 (fr) * 1994-05-06 1995-11-08 L.B. BOHLE PHARMATECHNIK GmbH Dispositif d'amarage d'un conteneur à une trémie de déchargement pour l'industrie pharmaceutique
EP0704384A2 (fr) * 1994-09-21 1996-04-03 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation Dispositif d'emballage pour matériaux compressibles d'isolation
WO1997005050A1 (fr) * 1995-07-25 1997-02-13 Matcon (R & D) Limited Appareil de manutention de materiaux

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3435996A (en) * 1967-07-06 1969-04-01 United Aircraft Corp Positive expulsion device
GB9303928D0 (en) * 1993-02-26 1993-04-14 Material Control Eng Ltd Apparatus for discharging flowable material
GB9707641D0 (en) * 1997-04-15 1997-06-04 Matcon R & D Ltd Apparatus and system for handling material
GB9816449D0 (en) 1998-07-28 1998-09-23 Matcon R & D Ltd Material handling apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4218967A (en) * 1979-06-25 1980-08-26 Batchelor John H Vacuum pump closure for canisters and vacuum pack containers
US4972652A (en) * 1988-02-26 1990-11-27 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Closures for containers
EP0680902A1 (fr) * 1994-05-06 1995-11-08 L.B. BOHLE PHARMATECHNIK GmbH Dispositif d'amarage d'un conteneur à une trémie de déchargement pour l'industrie pharmaceutique
EP0704384A2 (fr) * 1994-09-21 1996-04-03 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation Dispositif d'emballage pour matériaux compressibles d'isolation
WO1997005050A1 (fr) * 1995-07-25 1997-02-13 Matcon (R & D) Limited Appareil de manutention de materiaux

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1348644A1 (fr) * 2002-03-14 2003-10-01 AT Anlagetechnik AG Dispositif pour transférer des produits fluides

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0001931D0 (en) 2000-03-22
EP1261540A1 (fr) 2002-12-04
AU2001228675B2 (en) 2006-05-18
AU2867501A (en) 2001-08-07
DE60104992T2 (de) 2005-09-01
US7237311B2 (en) 2007-07-03
ATE273903T1 (de) 2004-09-15
US20030155359A1 (en) 2003-08-21
EP1261540B1 (fr) 2004-08-18
DE60104992D1 (de) 2004-09-23

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